How to use electric heat tracing band to prevent blockage of oil pipes in winter

Low temperatures in winter are prone to cause the solidification of diesel, lubricating oil, and other media inside oil pipes, leading to pipeline blockages and affecting the stability of oil supply. Electric heat tracing bands, with their efficient temperature control advantages, have become a core solution for preventing pipe blockages. Mastering scientific usage methods can accurately ensure the smooth flow of oil pipes and avoid production interruptions or equipment failures caused by pipe blockages.

Selection and adaptation are the foundation of anti-blocking, requiring precise matching with the working conditions of the oil pipe. Selection should be based on the pipe diameter (commonly 20-80mm), medium type, and environmental temperature: diesel oil pipes need to maintain a temperature of 10-20℃, and priority should be given to low-temperature self-regulating electric heat tracing bands (power 20-30W/m); lubricating oil and other mediums with higher viscosity need to maintain a temperature of 20-40℃, and medium-temperature self-regulating models (power 30-45W/m) can be selected. Outdoor oil pipes should be selected with fluoroplastic sheaths that are UV-resistant and have strong weather resistance, with a protection level of IP67. In explosion-proof areas, products with explosion-proof certification must be used.

Standardized laying ensures uniform temperature control and eliminates dead zones that could lead to blockages. First, clean the oil pipe surface of oil stains and rust to ensure a tight fit between the electric heat tracing band and the oil pipe. Adopt a parallel laying method and secure with stainless steel cable ties, maintaining a spacing of 25-35mm (the larger the pipe diameter, the smaller the spacing). At heat dissipation-prone areas such as oil pipe joints, valves, elbows, and pump body connections, adopt spiral winding and densified laying to ensure comprehensive heat coverage. Simultaneously, reserve a 5%-8% expansion allowance to accommodate pipeline deformation caused by thermal expansion and contraction.

The supporting protection and temperature control system enhance the anti-blocking efficiency. After laying, a 50-80mm thick flame-retardant insulation cotton is wrapped around the electric heat tracing band and the outer layer of the oil pipe, with seams sealed with aluminum foil tape to reduce heat loss. A metal protective tube can be placed outside the insulation layer to prevent external impact or oil corrosion. The temperature control system uses an intelligent digital display thermostat, paired with a temperature sensor attached to the surface of the oil pipe. It sets a threshold of "start when temperature ≤5℃, stop when temperature ≥25℃" to avoid repeated solidification of the medium and reduce energy consumption. A leakage protector and an overload protection device are installed at the power supply end to prevent short circuits and leakage risks.

Construction and operation and maintenance follow safety specifications. Construction must be carried out by professionals, and special waterproof and explosion-proof connectors are used for wiring, with proper sealing to prevent oil contamination and moisture infiltration. The junction box for the heat tracing belt of outdoor oil pipes should be installed in a rain-proof and moisture-proof location. During daily operation and maintenance, weekly inspections are conducted to check whether the outer sheath of the heat tracing belt is damaged and whether the insulation layer is intact. Monthly, a multimeter is used to test the insulation resistance (≥20MΩ is considered qualified). Before the arrival of low temperatures, the system start-up performance is tested in advance to ensure rapid temperature rise after power-on.

The core of using electric heat tracing bands for winter oil pipeline anti-blocking is "precise selection + standardized laying + intelligent temperature control". Following the above methods can effectively avoid medium solidification and pipeline blocking, ensuring stable oil supply. Scientifically and reasonably using electric heat tracing bands can build a solid defense for the safe operation of oil pipelines in winter and reduce operation and maintenance costs.